Playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s superb comedy RolePlay comes to Beverley later this month. It is a welcome return to Yorkshire having debuted at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough in 2001.

It focuses on ill-matched couple Justin and Julie-Ann preparing for a dinner party in their London Docklands flat on a stormy night.

They plan to announce their engagement to her parents, Derek and Dee from Doncaster and his mother, Arabella from Surrey, but there are glaring fault lines in the relationship and nothing goes to plan. She is as highly-strung as a violin, desperate to make every detail of the evening perfect and thrown into a panic when she can’t find a fork. He receives ‘phone calls from his increasingly inebriated mother. And so the scene is set for a memorable evening.

The Beverley Theatre Company production is directed by Cheryl Giles. “I’m honoured I’ve been given the opportunity to direct a very talented and committed group of actors in such a wonderful comedy. RolePlay showcases Ayckbourn at his very best.”

“During the evening Justin discovers that his bigoted father in-law-to-be Derek has overt homophobic and racist tendencies and the evening is destined for disaster when his distressed neighbour Paige takes refuge in the apartment from her violent boyfriend.”

Cheryl has been an active member of the Company for six years, but this is her first attempt at directing. “I’ve had an absolute ball. I am so appreciative of the dedicated support of my Assistant Director and mentor Chris Dunnachie, the cast and the production team. Without them this wonderful and thought-provoking production would not have been possible. I am truly blessed to be a part of such a supportive and talented group.”

The play will be performed with kind permission from Samuel French Ltd, at 7.30pm, from Wednesday 26th April until Saturday 29th April at the Beverley Memorial Hall, Lairgate, Beverley with licensed bar (except Wednesday). Tickets are priced at £7.00 for adults, £6.00 for concessions and £18.50 for the family. They are available online, on the door, at the Beverley Tourist Information Centre at 34 Butcher Row and at Haller’s Shoes 2 North Bar Within.

The Beverley Theatre Company was formed originally as the Beverley St Nicholas Players in 1946 by a group of amateur theatre enthusiasts, and for the next thirty-six years they staged several productions each year in their home at St Nicolas Church Hall. In 1983, the Players moved to the Beverley Memorial Hall, and changed their name to the Beverley Theatre Company. Since its formation, the Company has staged nearly two hundred productions including several successful touring plays. The Beverley Theatre Company is now one of East Yorkshire’s foremost amateur theatre groups.

The Company is keen to keep amateur theatre alive in Beverley and would be delighted if you would like to tread the boards with them or help backstage.